1971 Citroen DS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 120 kg more than 1971 Citroen DS.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DS | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2760 mm |
